Old Webster Air Compressor - Thoughts?

[tbgallant]

Hey guys,

Person is selling an old Canadian made (Webster) compressor locally. Just wondering if anybody had any thoughts/opinions/etc on the Webster brand and this particular compressor

Information from the seller states:

- 1.5hp motor, running 10.5 amps at 220V
- tank is 5-7 gallons (guess..)
- says the motor runs constantly and the pressure relief valve is set at 115 psi

Is it just me or should this not run constantly? Shouldn't it build up pressure and then shut off the motor when a certain pressure is reached? Or is this just rigged up to bypass that and just relieve the pressure when it hits 115 psi?

He wants $250 for it. Not sure this is a good price for such a small tank/compressor. But if it really pumps out decent cfm at say 90 psi then I'd be happy.

Thanks guys

Tim

 

[engnerdan]

I don't see a pressure switch and it looks like you have valve unloaders on the head, which means it will build pressure the normal way and once it gets to pressure it opens the valves and does not pump any air until the pressure drops in the tank. This is good is you are going to use the compressor under heavy load; it takes a great deal of load off the motor by not starting and stopping all the time. From the looks of it, it looks like a very well build machine; my only concern would be the condition of the tank (inside).

Dan

 

[tbgallant]

Interesting, so I would just switch it on when needed and off when not. Shouldn't use too much more electricity then the 'other' way (fill up and shut off motor, pressure drops so you turn on the motor).

There is no real way to check the inside of the tank is there?

Tim

 

[bmwpower]

There should be a plug or 2 for you to undo to see inside the tank. Stick your finger in the hole, if possible, and feel for rust.

As for the pressure switch....it looks like one is down on the right side (follow copper tubing from unloaders to the right side of the tank).

 

[mhoffm911]

That would sell for at least half that at auction (most likely). I have sold many compressors over the years and his price is at least $50 too high for what he is selling (in my humble opinion).

 

[tbgallant]

Thanks for the replies guys. Seems the general consensus is he is asking too much. My gut was telling me that as well. Just not sure I should just offer him a lot less and see if he bites, or just wait for another deal to come along.

Probably the later.

Thanks

Tim

 

[bmwpower]

I would wait unless you're really strapped for cash or you don't need a lot of output. I bought my 60 gallon Quincy for close to that price.

 

[wilbilt]

As for the pressure switch....it looks like one is down on the right side (follow copper tubing from unloaders to the right side of the tank).

The power cord goes into the on/off switch, and then via flex directly to the motor. No pressure switch.

Must be a pilot-type unloader mounted on the end of the tank.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Though it looks well built, I’m not familiar about the brand, parts may be impossible to get. The condition of the tank would be concerning. I would hold off for something better for that kind of money. If you did purchase it, I’d suggest that you add an electrical pressure switch. Add a valve to the unloader and you could run it either way..

 

[Franz©]

KRYLON CONVERSION after the gas engine crapped out.

Worth all of a $20 bill and no more

 

[chevy302dz]

You can get a much better used compressor far cheaper. At 250 it's overpriced by at least $200.

 

[tbgallant]

Ok ok, I'm not going to buy it!

Seriously though, thanks for all the replies guys, that was why I posted it up here. I knew I would get a lot of educated responses.

Tim